Task Force Has Killer’S Dna Genetic Evidence Has Enabled Detectives To Eliminate Thousands From Suspect List

Serial killer investigators say they have gathered considerable DNA evidence that pins a “unique identifier” on the person suspected of killing at least 10 women in Spokane and the Tacoma area.

“Unlike the Green River case …, we have good physical evidence,” Spokane County Sheriff Mark Sterk told more than 100 people who attended a meeting in the Public Works Building on Monday night.

“We do feel the suspect is in our databases … and believe he has been contacted by law enforcement in Spokane before,” Sterk added.

“The only thing we’re lacking in this case is the right person’s name,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Cal Walker said.

So far, homicide investigators have received 6,000 tips, 2,000 of which have been examined.

DNA evidence has enabled investigators to eliminate Brad Jackson - who is accused of killing his daughter, Valerie - and thousands of others from the suspect list.

In a rare step for a high-profile investigation, sheriff’s detectives decided to make limited elements of their case public in hopes of renewing interest in catching the killer.

Sterk revealed the suspect may be responsible for as many as 18 deaths in the state, some of which he acknowledged can’t be proved.

The killings being investigated date to 1990.

The killer has officially been linked to the deaths of eight women in the Spokane area and two in the Tacoma area since November 1997. One woman, 43-year-old Melody Ann Murfin, has not been found.

All of the killer’s confirmed victims had lifestyles that involved drugs, prostitution, or both. Most of the Spokane victims worked as prostitutes on East Sprague.

Sterk said they died of gunshot wounds.

There is no firm description of a possible suspect or the type of vehicle tied to the crimes, Sterk said.

At Monday’s meeting, investigators displayed pictures of 18 women as well as a detailed time line of when their bodies were discovered.

It has been a year and four months since the last victim, Connie LaFontaine, was found in Pierce County.

Recently, the Spokane Homicide Task Force lost half its staff when the Police Department pulled four detectives and a sergeant from the unit. City police said funding cuts left them with little choice.

“It’s a priority we can’t fund,” police Chief Roger Bragdon said. “We’re embarassed we can’t do that.”

He added the city will offer assistance if needed.

The task force also is facing mounting evidence costs.

Sgt. Walker said 1,000 pieces of evidence have been collected and processing costs have grown to $200,000.

Sterk said Monday’s forum was not a prelude to disbanding the task force.

The FBI said it will be looking at ways to increase its aid to Spokane investigators. The agency has helped interview possible suspects in Idaho, Montana and South Dakota. FBI profilers have also been involved in the case.

Charles Mandigo, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Seattle division, stressed the agency will pursue all possible suspects - including those who work in law enforcement.

Following the presentation by sheriff’s investigators, family members and the audience asked questions. Many of the answers to those questions - dealing with specific crime scene evidence - were as generic as the profile on the suspected killer: a white male between the ages of 20 and 40 who may or may not be employed.

Standing to face Sterk, LaFontaine’s brother, Steve said: “I’m begging you to help out. Let’s get this guy stopped.”

Other family members reminded those in attendance that the killer’s victims were loved and much more than prostitutes.

A woman who identified herself as the sister of Shawn McClenahan - whose body was found in December 1997 - said, “She had a large family in Spokane who dearly miss her.”

She added that a series of unfortunate events shaped her sister’s life - prostitution was something she had been driven to.

Some thanked the sheriff’s office for treating family members and friends with dignity.

At times during the evening, Sterk used the forum to lobby for more money for the task force.

One audience member asked what average citizens could do to help out. Sterk encouraged them to write county commissioners and voice their support.

Sterk pledged he will continue to fight for financing, which expires at the end of the year.

This sidebar appeared with the story:

AT A GLANCE

Victims list

Confirmed victims of the Spokane serial killer and the dates and places their bodies were found:

Connie LaFontaine Ellis, Oct. 13, 1998, Tacoma area

Michelyn Derning, July 7, 1998, Spokane

Melody Murfin, May 12, 1998, body still missing

Linda Maybin, April 1, 1998, Spokane

Sunny Oster, Feb. 8, 1998, Spokane

Shawn McClenahan, Dec. 26, 1997, Spokane

Laurie Wason, Dec. 26, 1997, Spokane

Shawn Johnson, Dec. 18, 1997, Spokane

Melinda Mercer, Dec. 7, 1997, Tacoma area

Darla Scott, Nov. 5, 1997, Spokane